Welcome To Edgar Allan Poet.
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Contact Editor Apryl Skies at eappublishing@gmail.com or www.edgarallanpoet.com
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ladies, we are currently working on a new site, Calliope's Closet which will be promoting not only the upcoming anthology, In The Company of Women, but YOUR books as well! That's right; in our efforts to promote the work of talented and creative women both domestic and international, we are going to be offering featured authors and their writings on this upcoming site. If you would like to have your book featured under The Book Shelf page on Calliope, please send a picture of the cover, a brief synopsis and where it can be purchased. Also, please send a picture of yourself and a short bio.

This is your opportunity to get yourself out there and Calliope is more than happy to help!

Send the required information to Alicia Winski and Apryl Skies at eappublishing@gmail.com. We anticipate launch of the new site at the end of the week and hope to see many of your faces and your books on it!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

"Wanda Morrow-Clevenger has an extensive & impressive writing history. An extremely versatile writer capable of anything. She writes with a keen observation and acute perception. With a poetic undertone Wanda Morrow-Clevenger possesses the penchant for taking the complex and distilling down the emotion to either something pure and touching or to a sagacious, vacuum-packed wit. Her writing is honest and intuitive always revealing humanity with all its precious flaws. Reflective and full spectrum Wanda holds it all together, putting things into perspective she the Wonder Woman of written word."

She recently unearthed poetry written when she was nineteen, calling it an angst filled embarrassment, yet she holds onto the verse - a reminder of how far she has come.

Essays and creative nonfiction are her first love, but she dabbles in flash, micro and poetry as well. Over fifty pieces of her work embracing the human condition appear or are forthcoming in: the Storyteller: Nuthouse; The Nocturnal Lyric; Up The Staircase; Flash Fiction Offensive; Leaf Garden; TheRightEyedDeer, Issues 4, 5 and 6; Every Day Fiction; Matter Daily; Short Story Library; Clockwise Cat; the Short-Humour Site; Long Story Short; the Ultimate Writer; Conceit Magazine; Staccato; Golden Apple; Daily Flash 2011 and 2012; The Scrambler; Falling Star Magazine; Boston Literary Magazine; Ink-Filled Page; Thumbnail Magazine; Gay Flash Fiction; People of Few Words; Daily Flashes of Erotica Quarterly, Issues 2 and 3; The Literary Burlesque; The Bicycle Review; Nostalgia Magazine and In The Company of Women Poetry Anthology. She continues to expand her memoir.

INDISCRETION

by Wanda Morrow-Clevenger

They weren't mistakes. Rather, each encounter, each alcohol fueled lapse in judgment, was forward motion. I won't apologize for just trying to keep up. I was no guiltier of offense than my fellow cohorts en masse. We were all careening in dizzying fast-forward. The only surety of halting the momentum was thoughtless disregard, or in more instances than not, a well aimed fatal blow to the heart assured sudden death, and by effect, undeniable conclude.

It is impossible to forget past liaisons. Memories persist through the dense fog of forgotten faces and lost embrace. You could attempt to put it behind you. You could assume a new identity. You could pretend your love life began at the words “I do.” But you would be a liar, and you would eventually be found out. The past, along with any indiscretion therein, always breaks free its prison walls.

On an ordinary work day, while secure in absolute anonymity, my past walked through the door of my new job, stuck its face through the window above my desk, and looked me right in the eye. It recognized me immediately and it forced me to do the same.

Hard crush is the only description that does justice. The big, pounding, twenty-something crush that screws with your brain until you betray yourself beyond any semblance of dignity. It is the persistent thought that pings around in your head long after it's done and dead. Years later, when you have categorically moved on, it's the last shard of a long ago broken heart that still irritates.

He was the one. In my twenty-something world at least, I thought he was the one. The instant our eyes met and he smiled, I was his. He had a gap between his two front teeth and I thought it singly the sexiest thing I'd ever seen. I fell fast, skinning my shins raw in the process. He was one of those guys who knew what to say and how to say it to get exactly what he wanted. I bowed before his every word. I would have done anything he wanted, a fact eagerly proved. I was in it body and soul for the long haul.

Unfortunately, he was just enjoying a free test-drive of the latest model. My devotion, trailing my heart behind it like a dissipating comet tail, was flung into oblivion the day I found out he was engaged to another woman while still with me. Getting kicked to the curb in favor of a blond set of tits wasn't just devastating, it was humiliating beyond words.

In the five months that followed I slowly reassembled my trampled pride and dried the last stinging tears. Then I saw him again, came across him at a local bar, minus the wife. He still had the smile that could melt my intellect into pathetic puddles. I knew it was unequivocally wrong, but I wanted to feel him near me again. And secretly, I wanted to one-up the blond set.

There were no brain cells functioning in either of our heads when we left the bar that night. At the risk of possibly quoting an old love song, it felt like there was one spark left in the smoky embers that hadn't been successfully ground out. We were both too weak to snuff it and save ourselves the inevitable singe, so stupidly fanned it back into flame; I guess we thought it worth the pain.

We sank to the lowest innate response, him by taking the first step out of his marriage, and me by choosing to ignore the obvious. It was an indiscretion I was immediately after ashamed of, and still am.

His visits to the office were uncomfortable. Each time he appeared at the window he made an intentional effort to unnerve me. On several occasions he even tried to flirt. I resolved not to let him make inroads, but my will faltered, caving some every time I saw his face. Time turned 1975 again and I was back on the dance floor of the Coliseum, his arms wrapped so tight around my waist I couldn’t breathe. But not caring, not needing the air, wanting only his body pressed against mine.

The day he met with his lawyer for a closed-door session I knew something was up, and it was. His time was up. His wife had served divorce papers; she did her time in solitary and was seeking gratuitous exoneration. Seems he committed a few too many indiscretions – too many to count. I purely enjoyed the thought of them both getting what they deserved. When he left that day and the door closed behind him, I smiled a cruel, malicious smile.

And in that moment my guard slipped just enough for me to feel pure respite. Before it all came back in a rush, the whole crap-load of it: the night we had pizza and beer in his parent’s kitchen– how he jumped up, grabbed a rifle, and ran out into the dark, but not before pushing me against a wall and saying to stay still and be quiet – the blast of the gun – being scared to death – waiting for him to return – crushing into his arms when he did.

I know now it was a sophomoric ruse to make me believe he was protecting me. The manipulations are now sadly clear. But I also remember the days spent together sliding in and out of fluid time, and the crazy nights rolling around on top of each other in his old car. I didn't want it to, but the whole of it came back at me hard on. My past wasn't dead, it was alive and well and waiting for an opportunity to debase, enduring despite avoidance and denial. I've always known at some point in time I would forgive my own lack of morality and let slip quietly into blessed absolution. As for him . . . I knew holding a grudge would never make for good closure.

I found, however, passive revenge was an exceptionally enjoyable vindication. You could call it karma, or even luck. I called it sweet reward. The fates set me up in place and time like none since. For some unforeseen reason I was granted a pardon of sorts. In the end, I got a front row seat to watch the fall of the person who fell me.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Danny Miller of Sherman Oaks, author of Losing Control, Finding Serenity has achieved an impressive share of success, but it wasn’t until he let go of control in his life that he was able to find true happiness and peace of mind.

As a highly trusted and successful real estate instructor and author of best-selling book How to Invest in Real Estate Syndicates (Dow Jones-Irwin), by his 30’s Miller was at the height of his career & had everything money could buy, but as an individual driven to control every aspect of his life, he was haunted by a proverbial unease, consumed by fear, anxiety and anger.

After a series of personal setbacks & a humbling battle with cancer, he realized his life had to change and turned 360 degrees toward a more profound success as a poet and painter. Releasing the tensions of control and choosing to move with the currents of life rather than fighting against them, Danny Miller found peace, greater understanding & true purpose.

Inspired by Khalil Gibran, reading Danny Miller’s poetry has the feeling of mantra, a poetic, zen-like reminder or ode. It’s the type of poetry you want to remember in the back of your mind as to allow it to expose itself when the hammer falls and the need bares its teeth.

LIFE’S LANTERN

Obsessed with Control,
We can’t let go.
But shorten life's list,
The more we resist.
Relinquish,
No longer diminish.
Let things be,
Begin to feel free.
To travel this Path,
Use its new Math.
Accept and allow—
Even meow.
Look to the Waves,
Follow their Sways.
Cresting in the Wind
Nature's magic Within.
Sometimes in tandem,
Always random.
Release,
Feel the Peace.
Life’s Rhythm of Truth,
Lost in Youth,
Follows no pattern, yet
Brightens Life's Lantern.

“Painting is like poetry in that they both evoke feelings and truths that are made more powerful because they are intuitively felt rather than articulated and in that sense they are both highly spiritual. They also both flourish when we are willing to let go of control of the creative process by moderating our expectations and not over-thinking the pieces. When we loosen the reins, freedom and open-ness of ideas and process seamlessly gel with knowledge and technique to produce original works of beauty and meaning.” Danny Miller

As a talented poet, painter and author of Losing Control Finding Serenity, Miller shares his journey of letting go, his first step toward true happiness. On this journey to serenity, he becomes a better person, family man and gains the inner peace he never thought possible, which he explains, is now his most valuable asset. Poetry has allowed Danny to discover his inner most truths, to express himself in a more positive way and find his true spiritual self.

In his new book, he explores the dangerous elements of control, fear & avoidance, guiding us through the lessons he has learned as he shares his secrets, his poetry and holds nothing back. Dedicated to helping others face their fears, no matter how intense, Losing Control Finding Serenity is poetic, philosophical and unselfish; a guidebook to true success, happiness and peace of mind.

We all have scars, some are more obvious than others, but Losing Control, Finding Serenity teaches us not to be defined by them. Available on Amazon, this book has achieved high acclaim and favorable reviews by mind, body, spirit publications and media and has been embraced by poetry lovers worldwide. An empowering collection of modern philosophy and poetry by a profoundly inspiring writer, highly recommended.

To find out more about this book, to view paintings or to read more of Danny Miller’s work please visit his website:

Saturday, May 7, 2011

In The Company of Women is an enthusiastic look at the heartfelt dynamics of the relationships between women presented in varying forms of poetry, memoir, commentary, quotes and artwork.
From laughter to tears, Company is a book born of life histories and the journeys taken and navigated by women of wit and wisdom.

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"

~ Anais Nin ~

In late 2009, Apryl Skies and Alicia Winski spent quite a bit of time collaborating on the idea of a "conversation" poem.

The theme of the poem was based on the impact women in their lives have had on them both positively and negatively. In short; how did the presence of women, or a woman affect their thinking? How did they color their view of lives and perhaps change the course of them?

A broad conversation that was clearly larger than themselves. After much discussion, they felt that certainly, this was a conversation that needed far more than two voices; it needed a multitude of voices. And with so many women possessing so many touching stories, memories and thoughts, they felt it to be almost criminal not to include them in this conversation. And so, a new and exciting journey has begun.

They are now currently accepting submissions to be included in this project entitled, “In The Company of Women”; an anthology project written by women of wit and wisdom, that is very dear to them.

PLEASE READ THESE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

If you would care to submit your poetry, short stories, quotes, memoirs, musings, old recipes, even some photos/artwork reflecting how a woman or women have impacted your life for consideration, please send them to Alicia Winski and Apryl Skies at eappublishing@gmail.com. You can also send your submissions to them via their Facebook page. Please stay on topic and please make sure you put the word “submission” in the subject line. Also, please send no more than five pieces. We also want to reiterate that this is not a paying endeavor. This is a project born of the desire to give women authors a voice and to get their work published. Authors will retain all rights to their work and will be able to purchase copies of this anthology at an extremely discounted price, upon publication. This will enable the authors to resell via their sites or other venues of their choosing. Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House will be promoting this anthology on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com and Calliope’s Closet, an upcoming site designed solely to promote the artistic endeavors of women. This includes poetry, short stories, artwork, jewelry, etc. E&L will also donate $1.00 per book to an organization supporting the care and nurturing of women/children in a safe environment. Any other proceeds received by E&L will be used to cover costs of publishing, advertising and promotion. Any authors who prefer to submit their work to a paying venue should contact Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing house and advise of this.As previously stated, we are anticipating publication of this anthology in early 2012 and would love to hear from you wise and witty women! And if you know any wise and witty women who might like to submit their thoughts/work to us, please feel free to pass it along.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

“Sometimes it seems [I have] been trying to learn the language all [my] life, but what a great game! Give it the structures and strictures of poetry and it's even more rewarding.”

~Wyatt Underwood

Wyatt Underwood, originally from Albuquerque New Mexico, spent much of his childhood in Brazil and has since migrated to southern California. He is a lover of physics who still acknowledges Pluto as a planet, a poet and the author of four books. He enjoys long motorcycle rides on his Harley and adores his wife Lindy of 28 years. Underwood, whose voice sounds a bit like James Earl Jones with a slight curl to it, has recently taken to the stage to perform at some of the valley’s favorite readings, including Soapbox Sessions & The Cobalt Cafe.

Underwood assisted in mapping 95% of the moon and if that isn’t enough he writes incredibly moving poetry. Wyatt studied physics and poetry and worked on the programs that tracked robots for several Lunar Orbiter flights, an unmanned exploration of space before the moon landing by Apollo 11 in July of 1969. During his time in the field, he worked on missions studying every planet except Mercury and Pluto.

In addition to his moon missions, Wyatt loves to write about women, which is quite evident in his more charming pieces such as How, Questions & Requiem, a very heart-felt & tear-stained letter. As a well-rounded writer you will find elements of Bukowski in Underwood’s poems such as Just Walkin’ & Bukowski, as well as a nice slice of William Carlos Williams whom he ascribes for his love of written word.

Hearing Wyatt recite his poem, Requiem (shown below) will bring you to tears & make you want to reach inside the poem & change the consequences. What Wyatt brings to the page is always genuine, tender and honest, a lot of which is inspired by actual events and real people. Wyatt’s work is biographical, observational and timeless. It has the ability to make you laugh and cry, sometimes even within the same poem. It’s touching and tangible and contains stories that once read will leave footprints on your soul.

Wyatt Underwood who describes his poems as “experiences” and concludes his major influences are his mentor, Keith Wilson, whom For Keith was inspired by & who was resident poet at New Mexico State University for years. in addition, he is inspired by Charles Bukowski, William Butler Yeats, Robert Frost, e. e. cummings, and many others.

Requiem

a friend's funeral happened
a thousand miles away
a dozen people held umbrellas
rain fell desultorily
a man who meant well
spoke of a life he hadn't known
I wonder what I would have said
we'd not been close nearly ten years
she loved life when I knew her
rode horses and climbed rock
sat on a cliff's edge and laughed
until I grimaced and joined her
trees I knew grew fifty feet tall at least
looked like dollhouse toys
"I'd take the fast way down"
she laughed, "if I could make the stop soft"
she grinned at me
"I couldn't stand to miss tomorrow,
what all might happen?"
but last week she put a gun into her mouth
and blew the pain away, so close friends say
I hope her way made the stop soft

I walked in darkness and an angel
found me or I found her
I never could be sure
and though she'd lost her wings and halo
she took me close enough to heaven
while she kept my feet on the ground
it is the story of my three loves
but heaven was never quite what I expected
it has its own demands and strictures
even when it stays close to Earth
I walked out of one, not sure I was ready
I lost one, sure I was unready
and so far have worked well enough
to remain in the third
thank you, angels, for all the ways you cared
for loving me when you did, and loving me as you do
I'm pretty sure no heaven awaits me when I die
but how could I need it, having shared yours?

I knew a man
who warred
way back when
Korea we protected
he came back and shot flies
with a .22
because a .45
would have been overkill
he came back from that too
and found in words
in beauties
in Zen
and finally in love
a calm
that needed no flies to shoot
he played with words
until they celebrated
beauties, Zen, love,
historical houses saved
by people living in them,
secret gardens,
ranchers,
and ghosts,
ghosts of old times
and ghosts of young men
who hurried off to war
because their country sent them,
hurried off and did not return
nor shoot flies with a .22
ghosts of men buried in Korea
and men not buried anywhere
ghosts who came to him for his calm,
his Zen,
and maybe for his beauties, or his love
I knew a man

Wyatt Underwood’s book titles are available on Lulu. Fixes For No Problems is highly recommended as is Haiku Foryu which contains over 100 haikus. If you’d like to hear Wyatt live he will be featured at the Border’s in Woodland Hills on May 28th at 6:00 PM.

About Me

Apryl Skies, poet, filmmaker & author of A Song Beneath Silence captures the intense beauty of the world with a unique and lyrical voice. As a contemporary poet and author, Apryl has impressed the likes of fans both online as well as by her appearances at local poetry readings throughout the L.A. area. Before entering the publishing world, Apryl focused her energy toward film with the release of her animated fairy tale series on DVD, Polyphony - Be you and Accept Me Too!, winner of the 2010 Gold Pixie Award, a 60 minute anthology of puppet adventures, clay animation, computer graphics and poetry for children. Now available worldwide. UPDATE: Skye the Troll & Other Fairy Tales For Children. Apryl Skies, creator of these inspiring and exciting series of original musings reveals a softer side with her third publication. Based on the cartoon series Polyphony – Be You And Accept Me Too!, which won the 2010 Gold Pixie Award for animation, through poetry and humor Skies creates a world of poetic fantasy and enchantment in this series of whimsical fairy tales, poetry and songs in this spectacular new children’s anthology.